Shannon Rowbury advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 1500m at the World Track and Field Championships in Daegu, Korea, on Sunday. Rowbury finished sixth in the tactical opening round heat, in a time of 4:14.43.
The pack started very slowly, covering the first 800 meters in 2:22. The pace stayed pedestrian until the final lap. When the sprint unfolded, Rowbury was stuck in 7th position, just outside the last automatic qualifying spot. On the final straightaway several runners got tangled up, causing Ethiopia’s Gezehenge Kalkidan to stumble. Rowbury surged ahead to grab the 6th, and final qualifying spot. Kalkidan was allowed to advance to the final on an appeal.
The semi-final will be held on Tuesday, 8/30, and the final on Thursday, 9/1. Also being held on 8/30, will be the opening round heats of the women’s 800m, featuring the Bay Area Track Club’s Alysia Montano.
